baltimoreblast.com

The Blast traveled to Syracuse on Friday night to matchup with the Silver Knights for the third time this season. In a game where defense played a key contributor, the Blast defeated the Silver Knights 12-4 for their 7th win in a row.

The game got off to a fast start with 5 goals scored in the first quarter. The Blast gained the early lead when Lucas Roque scored his team leading 12th goal of the season off an assist from Pat Healey. At the 10:04 mark Lucio Gonzaga scored to put the Blast up 4. After a Blast penalty, Nelson Santana was able to convert on a shootout goal for the Silver Knights but the Blast would answer quickly. Tony Donatelli answered first with a goal at the 11:18 mark off a pass from Adauto Neto and then Vini Dantas also found the back of the net putting the Blast up 8-2 at the end of the first quarter.

Both teams picked up the defensive pressure in the second quarter. At the 12:23 mark the Silver Knights were able to convert on a power play when Nelson Santana scored off an assist from Corey Elenio. This was the only goal scored in the quarter at the game entered the half with the Blast leading 8-4. Both teams recorded 12 shots in the half while Blast goalkeeper William Vanzela recorded 12 saves and defender Pat Healey recorded 4 blocks.

The second half picked up right where the fist half left off with both teams playing tight defense. The Blast defense was able to hold the Silver Knights to only 2 shots in the 3rd quarter. After 10 minutes of scoreless action Jonatas Melo was able to extend the Blast lead to 6 with his 4th goal of the season. Onua Obasi got the assist on what was the only goal scored in the quarter.

Baltimore came out in the final quarter and continued to shut down the Syracuse offense. At the 9:45 mark Levi Houpeau scored for the Blast off an assist from Jonatas Melo. The goal sealed the victory for the Blast as the final score was 12-4.

The Blast move to 7-0 on the season. The Blast defense led the way with 13 blocked shots including 5 from Pat Healey and 4 from Tony Donatelli. In goal for the Blast William Vanzela recorded 16 saves and remains unbeaten in net this season. Offensively the Blast really showed their team depth with 6 different players record goals. Lucas Roque, Lucio Gonzaga, Tony Donatelli, Vini Dantas, Jonatas Melo, and Levi Houpeau all scored in the victory.

The Blast will travel to Rochester next weekend for an afternoon matchup with the Lancers on Saturday, December 27th at 1:00 p.m.